Don't dump Super Hornets, Oppn urges

Australia's F-111 fighter bombers are due to be retired in 2010.(File photo)

ADF

The Federal Opposition says it hopes that the air combat capability review announced by the Defence Minister does not mean the Government will scrap plans to buy 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets.

The previous federal government made the decision to buy the Super Hornets as an interim aircraft between the retirement of the F-111 fighter bombers in 2010 and the arrival of the new Joint Strike Fighters.

Mr Fitgibbon has announced a review of Australia's air force needs until 2045, including looking at the status of the decision to buy the Super Hornets.